Following the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks and utilizing a therapeutic approach to learning, students will participate in activities such as: learning to read a map and using one to navigate the community; engaging in a lesson about nutrition, creating a simple menu, creating a grocery list of items to prepare the food on the menu, applying money skills by estimating the cost and shopping for the food to prepare the menu. In addition to academic and social skills, students will learn and practice activities of daily living with increasing independence in order to improve their sense of self-worth.
The TESP Program will support students in grades 6-8 who present with difficulties in the areas of specific learning disabilities, neurological/ cognitive impairment, language development, sensory integration, and social/behavioral skills. Diagnoses may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Intellectual Impairment.
Students who participate in the TESP Program will participate in lessons taught by a licensed classroom teacher, social skills groups led by a school adjustment counselor, speech pathologist and or the classroom teacher. The skills practiced in these groups will be carried into daily lessons, and activities. A small staff-to-student ratio allows for personalized and individualized teaching. The program emphasizes the use of assistive and instructional technology and multi-sensory instruction to foster active engagement in academic, social, and emotional learning. In addition, students will receive counseling, speech, OT and PT as outlined in their IEP and determined by their educational team.
PROGRAM GOAL
The goal of the program is to support students in developing and improving their functional academic skills so that they can apply them to real-life activities.
LOCATIONS
Bellingham Memorial School
130 Blackstone St
Bellingham, MA 02019
Program Testimonials
“My son transitioned into BICO six years ago from a recommendation from the Norfolk Public Schools. (My Son) had issues staying on track with his lessons, following directions and communicating with the teachers. He has grown tremendously over his time in different BICO programs. Last year, was to transition out of BICO and to King Philip Middle School. KPMS was ready to transition (my son) to their program until they heard my recommendation. I talked about how he had transformed into a calm, respectful and caring member of the classroom and how much of that was due to all the effort from all of the staff over the years. KPMS changed their recommendation and supported him staying in BICO. His Teachers and Support staff have always kept me in the loop and kept his IEP as a living document to best support. I can’t say enough good things about Rachael Carpenter and her staff. He is developing in academics and learning some great life skills. The communication and the dedication of this staff is second to none.” Parent of Student attending TESP Program
“Our child was at Bi-County for four years and recently changed schools only due to age and changing needs. Our child was originally at a different collaborative and we needed a change, and we are so happy we did. They have a few different programs and we have nothing but positive things to say about the program our child was in, SLBP, now renamed TESP. The lead teacher Rachel went above and beyond what we could have asked for. She would sometimes spend her own free time outside of school hours helping us. She was like an angel. The aides, some of whom have been there for many years, worked just as hard to make sure our child was safe, assisting in their academics, which was hard for our child, and engaging in making it fun. The teachers who work there are there because they want to be there, they chose this profession, and we experienced nothing but positive intentions by both staff and administration, whom we also had a good relationship with. From our experience in this program, I would highly recommend Bi-County if you are looking for a placement for your child. We miss our child attending there but we know they are better because of four years there.” Parent of Student attending TESP Program
“I don’t quite know where to begin when describing our experience as a family with BICO. The one word that keeps coming to mind is grateful. Our daughter was in public school for 5 years before we decided that an outplacement would be best for her. No parent ever imagines having to send their child to an outplacement. Everyone dreams that their child can go to the neighborhood school with neighborhood peers, but that wasn’t the case for us. It was a very hard decision that left us with worry and uncertainty. The first time we toured the BICO program that she was going to attend we instantly felt at ease. The staff were amazing and every question or worry that we had were answered in full. I can vividly remember our daughter coming home after her first week of school and saying “Mama, I love this school, if you don’t understand something they don’t just move on, they will teach it again the next day!”. That small statement let us know that she was exactly where she needed to be! We can not say enough about her classroom teacher and staff. The communication is more than we ever expected and the love and support they show our child on a daily basis is something that we will forever be grateful for. Having our daughter attend BICO has been one of the best decisions we have made, and one of the biggest blessings in her life. She goes to school everyday with a smile on her face ready and excited to learn. We can not thank BICO enough for nurturing her and helping her grow!” Parent of Student attending TESP Program